The coronavirus pandemic and subsequent lockdown is an unprecedented situation. We do not know what the impact will be on the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people. But we do know that in many cases it will be teachers who will be in the front line dealing with pupils' anxieties, questions and behaviours.
Many mental health charities and organisations have produced materials, advice and guidance to help school staff during this challenging time.
The Mental Health Foundation is part of the national mental health response during the coronavirus outbreak. Its resources include:
- Challenges facing schools and pupils - Includes information on navigating loss and bereavement, different home environments, inequalities, uncertainty, transition periods and friendship and bullying.
- How to support pupils returning to school - If you are a teacher, here are things to keep in mind as well as practical tools, strategies and activities.
Other useful resources include:
Place2be.org.uk is a children's mental health charity and has provided a number of recourses including assemblies and group activities for both primary and secondary aged pupils.
NSPCC has pulled together guidance on
- safeguarding and child protection policies and procedures
- recognising and responding to concerns
- the impact of coronavirus on children’s mental health
- supporting children’s mental health and wellbeing.
Mentally Health Schools has a produced a returning to school toolkit
Young Minds -Tips, advice and wellbeing resources to support pupils as well as staff and parents during the COVID-19 pandemic and the transition back to the classroom.